Last Updated on 11th December 2024

Physiology

MD Physiology Course Overview

MD Physiology Course Latest Update

  • Admissions Open for 2025–2026: MD Physiology admissions have begun for the 2025–2026 academic session across government and private medical colleges in India.
  • State-Level Medical Counselling: State medical counselling authorities have initiated their rounds for MD Physiology seats based on NEET-PG scores in June, July, and August 2025.


The Doctorate of Medicine (MD) in Physiology is a prestigious postgraduate medical course focusing on the intricate mechanisms of the human body, exploring how cells, tissues, organs, and systems function in health and disease. The program suits MBBS graduates who are interested in physiological research, academia, or clinical practice. MD Physiology is a three-year course that combines high-quality theoretical training, practical experience, and research, and educates graduates to work in research, medical education, and healthcare. 

Specialisation is possible in various classes, such as neurophysiology, cardiovascular physiology, and endocrine systems, though they are core subjects in the curriculum. This course also promises a great career in the world where there is demand for physiologists, such as the USA, UK, Canada, and Germany. It usually needs qualifying examinations such as NEET PG or INI-CET to be admitted. 

Top Recruiters AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research), ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research), Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare


MD Physiology: Quick Highlights

The MD Physiology is a three-year postgraduate program providing in-depth knowledge of human physiology, covering cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine systems. It couples theoretical studies, research, and clinical exposure to graduates who can work either in academia, research, or healthcare.

Particulars

Details

Full Form

Doctorate of Medicine in Physiology

Level

Postgraduate

Duration

3 years

Type

Degree

Application Mode

Online (varies by institute)

Entrance Exams

NEET PG, 

AIIMS PG, 

JIPMER PG, 

INI-CET

Fees

₹ 10,000 - ₹10,00,000 per year

Top Colleges

Top Specializations

Neurophysiology, Cardiovascular Physiology, Endocrine Physiology

Top Recruiters

AIIMS, PGIMER, Apollo Hospitals, Fortis, Research Institutes


MD Physiology: Important Dates and Events

The MD Physiology admissions are also timely, and the admission cycle opens in December, and the entrance exam, such as NEET PG and INI-CET, will be offered in January-August 2025 by the various institutions.

Exam

Expected Exam Date

Result Declaration

NEET PG 2025

3rd August 2025

3rd September 2025

AIIMS PG / INI-CET

November 2025 / January 2026

December 2025 / February 2026


FAQs


Ques 1. Can I apply for multiple entrance exams for MD Physiology in the same year?

Ans 1. Yes, aspirants can apply for NEET PG, INI-CET (AIIMS), and JIPMER PG in the same year, provided they meet each exam's eligibility criteria.


Ques 2. How are seats allocated after the entrance exams?

Ans 2. Seats are allotted through centralised counselling conducted by MCC (for AIQ) and state-level authorities based on entrance exam ranks and preferences.


MD Physiology Fees

Fees depend on the type and location of the institution:

Type of Institution

Annual Fee Range

Government Colleges

₹10,000 – ₹50,000

Private Colleges

₹2,00,000 – ₹10,00,000

Deemed Universities

₹5,00,000 – ₹15,00,000


FAQs


Ques 1. Are MD Physiology students eligible for stipends in government colleges?

Ans 1. Students pursuing MD Physiology in government colleges like AIIMS and state-run institutes typically receive monthly stipends during the course.


Ques 2. Can private or deemed university fees for MD Physiology be paid in instalments?

Ans 2.  Many private and deemed universities allow installment-based payments or offer education loan support through partner banks. It's advisable to check directly with the admissions office.


Why Choose MD Physiology?

MD Physiology presents new possibilities to medical graduates:

  • Research Excellence: Best suited for investigating the scientific foundation in health and disease.
  • Academic Career: Equips them to take positions in medical colleges.
  • International Opportunities: There is a great demand for research facilities in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
  • Advances in Medical Science: Contributes to medical science.
  • Job Stability: Provides well-paying careers.


FAQs


Ques 1. Is MD Physiology a good option for those interested in teaching and research?

Ans 1. Absolutely. MD Physiology is ideal for those aiming for a career in academics or medical research, offering roles as lecturers, professors, or research scientists in reputed institutions.


Ques 2. Are there international career prospects after completing MD Physiology in India?

Ans 2. Yes, MD Physiology graduates are eligible for research and academic positions abroad, particularly in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, provided they meet additional licensing or credentialing requirements.


MD Physiology Qualification

To study MD Physiology, the candidates are required:

  • Educational Qualification: MBBS degree from a recognised university.
  • Internship: A one-year mandatory internship is completed.
  • Registration: NMC or State Medical Council permanent registration.

Qualification

Details

Educational Requirement

MBBS degree

Minimum Marks

50% in MBBS (45% for reserved categories)

Internship

1-year compulsory internship


MD Physiology Eligibility Criteria - Category-Wise

Its eligibility depends on the type, and relaxations are provided to the reserved categories.

Category

Eligibility Criteria

General

MBBS with 50% marks, internship completion

OBC

MBBS with 45% marks, internship completion

SC/ST

MBBS with 40% marks, internship completion

PwD

MBBS with 40% marks, valid disability certificate


MD Physiology Duration

The course is three years long and involves theoretical studies, practice, and research, frequently a thesis or dissertation.


FAQs


Ques 1. Can a candidate with an MBBS degree but an incomplete internship apply for MD Physiology?

Ans 1. No, completing the one-year compulsory internship is mandatory before applying for MD Physiology. Without it, a candidate is not eligible for admission.


Ques 2. Are there category-wise relaxations in eligibility for MD Physiology?

Ans 2. Yes. Reserved categories like OBC, SC/ST, and PwD receive the relaxation in the minimum required MBBS marks, ranging from 45% to 40%, along with internship and registration requirements.


MD Physiology Admission Process

There is admission through an entrance examination, selection on a merit basis, and counselling.

Particulars

Details

Entrance Exams

NEET PG, AIIMS PG, JIPMER PG, INI-CET

Minimum Age

There is no upper age limit (per NMC guidelines)

Eligibility

MBBS with 50% marks, internship completion

Qualifying Marks

Varies (e.g., NEET PG: 50th percentile)


Application Process

  • The application is made through official Sites such as NTA or AIIMS.
  • An application fee and documents (MBBS degree, internship certificate, NMC registration) are to be submitted.
  • Sign up for examination papers and choose the desired colleges.

Counselling and Seat Allotment

  • Post-exam merit-based counselling.
  • Seating is accorded based on rank, category and college choices.
  • Verification documents are needed during the counselling.


Top MD Physiology Entrance Exams 2025

Important entrance tests of 2025:

  • NEET PG: The nationwide exam to get admission in MD/MS.
  • AIIMS PG: INI-CET: To qualify in AIIMS and other priority institutes.
  • JIPMER PG: JIPMER Puducherry and Karaikal.


How to Prepare for NEET PG 2025

To pass NEET PG:

  • Basic sciences: They concentrate on Physiology, Biochemistry and Anatomy.
  • Past Years Papers: Solving past years' papers and attempting online tests.
  • Time Management: You should give time to every section (Medicine, Surgery, Preclinical).
  • Textbooks: Guyton and Hall's textbook of medical physiology, Ganong's review of medical physiology.


Resources to Prepare for NEET PG 2025

Resource

Details

Textbooks

Guyton and Hall, Ganong, Harper’s Biochemistry

Online Platforms

Marrow, Prepladder, Dr. Bhatia’s DBMCI

Question Banks

NEET PG, AIIMS PG question banks

Coaching

DAMS, Dr. Bhatia’s, MIST


FAQs


Ques 1. Can I simultaneously apply to multiple entrance exams like NEET PG and INI-CET for MD Physiology?

Ans 1. Yes, candidates can apply for multiple entrance exams such as NEET PG, INI-CET, and JIPMER PG to increase their chances of admission, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each.


Ques 2. What are the best resources to prepare for Physiology in NEET PG?

Ans 2. Standard textbooks like Guyton, Hall, and Ganong, along with online platforms like Marrow and Prepladder, are highly recommended. Solving previous years’ papers is also essential for success.


MD Physiology Cutoff

Cutoffs are based on the college and entrance exams. Typical 2024 section cutoffs:

NEET PG Cutoff

Category

Cutoff Marks (2024)

General

600-650

OBC

570-600

SC/ST

450-500


AIIMS PG/INI-CET Cutoff

Category

Cutoff Rank (2024)

General

50-200

OBC

200-500

SC/ST

500-1000


FAQs


Ques 1: Does the MD Physiology cutoff vary by college?

Ans 1: Yes, each college sets its cutoff based on the entrance exam scores, seat availability, and category-wise reservation.


Ques 2: Can reserved category candidates get admission in MD Physiology with lower scores?

Ans 2: Yes, reserved category candidates (OBC, SC, ST) benefit from relaxed cutoffs and reservation policies during exam qualification and seat allotment.


MD Physiology Seats

The seats are unlike those in government and other colleges.

Seats in Government Colleges in India (State-Wise)

Government colleges in India have around 1,500 MD Physiology seats.

State

Colleges

Seats

Delhi

AIIMS Delhi

20

Tamil Nadu

Madras Medical College

15

Karnataka

BMC Bangalore

10

Maharashtra

Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai

12

Uttar Pradesh

King George’s Medical University, Lucknow

15

West Bengal

Medical College, Kolkata

10

Kerala

Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram

8

Rajasthan

SMS Medical College, Jaipur

12

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam

10

Gujarat

BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad

8

Punjab

Government Medical College, Amritsar

7

Madhya Pradesh

Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal

10

Telangana

Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad

12

Bihar

Patna Medical College

8

Odisha

SCB Medical College, Cuttack

7


Seats in Private Colleges in India (State-Wise)

Approximately 2,000 MD Physiology seats are offered by private colleges in India.

State

Colleges

Seats

Kerala

Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences

10

Tamil Nadu

Christian Medical College, Vellore

8

Maharashtra

DY Patil Medical College, Pune

12

Karnataka

Kasturba Medical College, Manipal

10

Uttar Pradesh

Era’s Lucknow Medical College

8

Telangana

Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences

7

Andhra Pradesh

Narayana Medical College, Nellore

8

West Bengal

KPC Medical College, Kolkata

6

Rajasthan

Geetanjali Medical College, Udaipur

7

Gujarat

Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad

6

Punjab

Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana

5

Haryana

SGT Medical College, Gurugram

6

Madhya Pradesh

Index Medical College, Indore

5

Odisha

Hi-Tech Medical College, Bhubaneswar

5

Bihar

Narayan Medical College, Sasaram

4


FAQs


Ques 1: Which Indian state offers the highest number of MD Physiology seats in government colleges?

Ans 1: Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh are among the top states, with premier institutions like AIIMS Delhi, Madras Medical College, and KGMU Lucknow offering 15–20 seats each.


Ques 2: Are private colleges' seat numbers higher than those of those of government colleges for MD Physiology?

Ans 2: Yes, private institutions collectively offer around 2,000 seats, slightly more than the 1,500 seats available in government medical colleges across India.


MD Physiology Syllabus

The advanced physiology, research methodologies and clinical application are discussed in the syllabus.

Year-Wise Syllabus

Year

Subjects

Year 1

General Physiology, Cell Physiology, Biophysics, Research Methodology

Year 2

Systemic Physiology (Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Renal), Neurophysiology

Year 3

Endocrine Physiology, Reproductive Physiology, Thesis/Dissertation


MD Physiology Specialisations

The specialisations within MD Physiology are Neurophysiology, which deals with the nervous system and the brain functions; Cardiovascular Physiology. which deals in the heart and circulatory dynamics; and Endocrine, which deals in the hormonal regulation and disorders equipping the graduates with research and clinical expertise.

Specialisations

Details

Neurophysiology

Nervous system and brain functions

Cardiovascular Physiology

Heart and circulatory dynamics

Endocrine Physiology

Hormonal regulation and disorders


FAQs


Ques 1: Does the MD Physiology syllabus include research and thesis work?

Ans 1. Yes, in the third year, students must complete a thesis or dissertation based on original research, which is a core component of the MD Physiology curriculum.


Ques 2: Can students choose a specialisation like Neurophysiology during the MD program?

Ans 2: While the MD Physiology degree covers all major systems, students can focus on a specialisation like Neurophysiology, Cardiovascular, or Endocrine Physiology through electives, thesis topics, or fellowships after graduation.


Top Colleges for MD in Physiology Course in India

Government Colleges in India

College

Location

Annual Fees

AIIMS Delhi

Delhi

₹10,000

PGIMER Chandigarh

Chandigarh

₹15,000

JIPMER Puducherry

Puducherry

₹12,000


Private Colleges in India

College

Location

Annual Fees

CMC Vellore

Tamil Nadu

₹2,00,000

Kasturba Medical College

Manipal

₹5,00,000

Amrita Institute

Kerala

₹7,00,000


Colleges Abroad for MD Physiology

College

Location

Annual Fees

Harvard Medical School

USA

₹50,00,000

University of Oxford

UK

₹35,00,000

University of Toronto

Canada

₹30,00,000

Johns Hopkins University

USA

₹48,00,000

University College London (UCL)

UK

₹34,00,000

University of Melbourne

Australia

₹32,00,000

McGill University

Canada

₹28,00,000

Karolinska Institutet

Sweden

₹25,00,000

University of Sydney

Australia

₹31,00,000

Heidelberg University

Germany

₹20,00,000

Stanford University

USA

₹52,00,000

University of Cambridge

UK

₹36,00,000

Monash University

Australia

₹30,00,000

University of British Columbia

Canada

₹29,00,000

Ludwig Maximilian University

Germany

₹18,00,000


MD Physiology: Abroad vs India

Criteria

India

Abroad

Fees

₹10,000 - ₹10,00,000/year

₹20,00,000 - ₹50,00,000/year

Duration

3 years

3-4 years

Job Prospects

Academic, research, and hospitals

Global research, higher pay

Curriculum

NMC-regulated, research-focused

Advanced facilities, interdisciplinary


FAQs


Ques 1: Is studying MD Physiology abroad better than in India in terms of job prospects?

Ans 1: Studying abroad can offer higher-paying roles and global research opportunities, especially in countries like the USA, UK, and Canada. However, Indian MD degrees align more with domestic academic and clinical careers.


Ques 2: Do Indian MD Physiology graduates need extra qualifications to work abroad?

Ans 2: Yes, to practice or teach abroad, Indian graduates often need to clear licensing exams like USMLE (USA) and PLAB (UK) or meet local credentialing requirements, depending on the country.


Top Recruiters/Placement Companies

Graduates in MD Physiology are ideal for research careers, academics, and healthcare divisions because they study the concepts of human body functions. Leading companies provide a variety of opportunities, academic roles, research scientists, clinical consultants, etc., and positions in both India and other countries are offered.

  • AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences): is the prestigious medical institutes that have positions in teaching, research, and clinical consultancy in multiple campuses such as AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Madurai, and AIIMS Guwahati.
  • PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research): Has a great reputation in academic and research roles, especially in Chandigarh, which mainly specialises in advanced studies of physiology.
  • ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research): The major research institution where the openings are based on non-communicable disease and biomedical research development.
  • Apollo Hospitals: One of the leading privately owned medical chains of hospitals, looking into hiring candidates in the clinical field as well as the research field with good remuneration and chances leading to a global field.
  • Fortis Healthcare: Has positions in clinical consultancy and healthcare management, and has a good presence in the healthcare sector of India.


MD Physiology Salary Package

Salaries vary by role, experience, and location.

Salary Package in India

Experience Level

Average Salary

Entry-Level (0-2 years)

₹6,00,000 - ₹10,00,000

Mid-Level (3-7 years)

₹10,00,000 - ₹15,00,000

Senior-Level (8+ years)

₹15,00,000 - ₹25,00,000


Salary Package Abroad

Country

Job Profile

Average Salary (₹ LPA)

USA

Research Physiologist

₹40,00,000 – ₹70,00,000

UK

Academician

₹35,00,000 – ₹60,00,000

Canada

Clinical Researcher

₹38,00,000 – ₹65,00,000

Australia

Physiologist

₹35,00,000 – ₹55,00,000

Graph: Salary trends show a 12% annual increase in India and 15% abroad (2020-2025).


FAQs


Ques 1. What is MD Physiology?

Ans 1. A graduate-level medical degree in the study of the complex mechanisms of human physiology, at the cellular, systemic, and organ levels in health and disease.


Ques 2. What are the eligibility requirements of MD Physiology?

Ans 2. Students should have an MBBS and 50 percent marks (45% in reserved category), one year internship experience and permanent registration through the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council.


Ques 3. What is the duration of the MD program in Physiology?

Ans 3. The MD Physiology lasts three years, a period to undertake theoretical subjects, practical training and research and usually a thesis or a dissertation.


Ques 4. Without NEET PG can I take MD Physiology?

Ans 4. Most of the great colleges require NEET PG admission, whereas some of the private colleges might also want other entrance tests or merit-based admissions.


Ques 5. What's the future of MD Physiology?

Ans 5. The future of MD Physiology after course graduates can work as academicians, research scientists, clinical consultants in hospitals, universities and research institutes in and outside India, with high demand in countries such as the USA, UK and Canada.


Scope/Career Options After MD Physiology

The MD Physiology graduate can work in academia, research, and practice settings.

Roles in Physiology

  • Physiologist: Carries out studies into the physiological processes.
  • Academician: Works in medical colleges.
  • Research Scientist: This professional operates in the biomedical research institutes.
  • Clinical Consultant: Aids in therapeutics and diagnostics.

Higher Studies

  • PhD in Physiology: at a higher level of research.
  • Postdoctoral Fellowships: In India or a foreign country.
  • MBA of Hospital Management: To take administrative positions.


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